You would think that no birthday party would be complete without gifts. It’s like winter without rain, summer without ice cream and a lunch break without lunch.

But then, a few weeks ago, I started reading about a new trend: birthday parties without gifts. Well, not exactly – guests are still obliged to be generous. However, the recipient of the generosity is not the birthday boy or girl – rather, it’s directed to a charity of their choice.

Cristian with his parents Mario and Doris.

As a 1970s child, I find it strange to have a birthday party without any gifts. I’m sure that if one of my childhood birthdays had been devoid of gifts, I would have huffed and puffed and stamped my feet.

However, birthdays without gifts – which is fast becoming a popular trend with the younger generations – teach children a valuable lesson about giving. No-gift parties are one prong of a growing movement to involve even the youngest children in philanthropy.

For his 16th birthday, Cristian Cassar of Lija decided to put himself in the giving rather than the receiving end. In fact, at his sweet 16th birthday celebration party last Saturday, Cristian collected €920 in aid of Puttinu Cares.

In his invitation to his guests he wrote: “For my 16th birthday, my parents are throwing me a birthday party. Also this year I’ve made up my mind that I will not be expecting any material gifts but instead, donations which will be collected by representatives of Puttinu Cares at the end of the party.”

Seeing the way in which he lives and the need of others around him, possibly living through a difficult time, he realised that “helping others in one way or another is something that makes me happy.”

When he was only six years old, Cristian had given a donation to Villa Mgr Gonzi.

“My parents always wanted to instil in me the understanding that the joy of giving is greater than the joy of receiving,” he says.

Helping others in one way or another is something that makes me happy

“This time I decided to give a donation to Puttinu Cares. My father reminded me of the donation I had given when I was six years old, and I decided to repeat my gesture.

“All those invited were more than pleased that such a nice sum was donated to Puttinu Cares,” Cristian adds.

Cristian with his friends.

“I’ve sent a total of 55 invitations and 40 came to the party. They were divided between friends from Lija, friends from school, teammates from Depiro, and others who were with me when we went on a school visit to Kent, the UK.”

“There were also some other friends I’ve known since I was very young and one of my cousins. Their ages range between 14 and 17.”

Today, in part to teach philanthropy and altruism, and in part as a defence against swarms of random plastic objects destined to clutter every square metre of their living space, a number of families are experimenting with gift-free birthday parties, suggesting that guests donate money or specified items to the charity of the child’s choice instead.

“People should start thinking of others in need rather than themselves only,” he says.